Grace's Blog

Yoga: A Spiritual Practice – Part II

There are many different schools of yoga, and the schools have a different emphasis on certain disciplines, practices, devotions or theories. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are essentially statements of facts that are seen to have existential authenticity on the philosophy of yoga and are the common source and authority for all schools of yoga. Little is known about Patanjali as well as the date of his writings (scholars estimate anywhere between the fourth century BCE and fifth century CE) and it is agreed among historians that Patanjali systematised the concepts and practices of yoga that were present in those early times. The term sutras literally means “stitches” in the sense that these ideas on yoga philosophy are stitched together to create the fabric of knowledge. The format of the Yoga Sutras, like much of Indian knowledge, was verbally passed down from teacher to student as a chant in order to etch the concepts into the student’s memory for life. The Sutras are now in written format and have become the universal authoritative text on yoga philosophy.

The term yoga is the English ancestor of the term “yoke” and it basically means “union.” Hence, yoga is a method of spiritual union whereby one may unite their transitory self with the divine, which for many is referred to as, God. The Hindu concept of God would be the infinite Brahman, a spiritual substance that is one with nature and the cosmos. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali uses the term Isvara (literally interpreted ‘Lord’) in reference to the divine, or God. Isvara is not a conventional or specific deity or God, but rather Patanjali speaks more to a universal, attributeless Brahman, an impersonal, unknowable, infinite force that is omnipotent and transcends all. To achieve union with Isvara, the divine, which underlies this apparent, ephemeral universe, according to Patanjali, one must reach a state of perfect yoga, or union.

He who is rooted in oneness
realizes that I am
in every being, wherever
he goes, he remains in me.

When he sees all beings as equal
in suffering or in joy
because they are like himself,
that man has grown perfect in yoga. (BG 6.29-32)

Signup for Grace-Mail!

Signup and join our 345 subscribers!

First Name:Last Name:Email Address:Contact Number:

Testimonials

Over the last couple of years Grace has provided good guidance in teaching yoga to a beginner and now through to an intermediate level. I feel much more confident and capable in the class especially now as I work on improving the technical side with Grace’s help.

Rob Baily

Her hands on approach has helped me to improve my yoga practice and understanding and allowed me to reach more advanced poses.

Nicole Roukens

Pregnancy yoga with Grace is a perfect time for me to relax. The classes enable me to focus on breathing techniques and have taught me positions to assist with labour. Most of all, I have enjoyed connecting with my precious bub.

Johann Crisp

Yoga with Grace is a dynamic and energetic class that leaves you feeling very relaxed and aligned. It is 90 minutes of pure bliss - pure ‘me’ time and it enables me to face the week ahead with a positive outlook.

Jodie Springhall

I have attended Grace’s yoga classes for a few years now and I love her vibrant, energetic teaching style and classes.

Claire Schafer

The first time I attended a yoga class was at Grace’s general Vinyasa class. I had always been curious about yoga but I never really felt confident about going to classes until I moved to Hedland.

Cheryl Morton

Grace invites and guides all levels of ability through a flowing class that grows in many ways from week to week.

Melissa Anderson

Prenatal yoga has been an absolute highlight of my pregnancy. I look forward to the classes every week. Spending that time to stretch and flex while contemplating the new life within is such a special experience.

Jo Poulter

Thank you Grace for running a pregnancy yoga course this June, I was very excited about being able to take part in the course in my 2nd trimester and enjoy every minute of the class. It has been an empowering and amazing experience for me and my bump.

Rhiannon Lindsay

I enjoy the relaxing poses like dead bug and lotus flower and also the challenging poses like bridge and camel. I love working as a team to create yoga sculptures and also creating my own sequences because I need to think about poses that will flow together.